Drunk Driver Kills Man and Two Children in I-75 Crash

August 01, 2015

Tragedy struck Clayton County recently when an intoxicated driver headed the wrong way down the interstate and collided with a car carrying several children, according to WSB TV. Atlanta police report that a 20 year old was under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he started traveling the wrong way on I-75 South in Clayton County. The intoxicated driver's pickup truck slammed head-on into a car carrying two adults and three children. Two children, an eight year old and a seven year old, were tragically killed in the crash, along with a friend of the family. The driver and a three year old boy remain in critical condition in an area hospital.

The drunk driver has been booked on three counts of vehicular homicide and DUI. He could face considerable prison time if convicted of these charges and the family members of the victims are left mourning their departed loved ones as well as coming to terms with their loss.

DUI Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that someone is killed in a drunk driving crash every 53 minutes, on average. Driving while intoxicated places all users of the roadways in grave danger and losing a loved one in a DUI related accident is perhaps one of the most tragic things to experience.

The family members of deceased loved ones in Georgia should seek compensation for their immense loss through filing a wrongful death action. Wrongful death claims can be filed against any party responsible for the death of another due to negligence, recklessness, or intentional acts. Intoxicated drivers who get behind the wheel and cause an accident that kills someone should be held accountable in a wrongful death action. A conviction for DUI or vehicular manslaughter can serve as powerful evidence as to the driver's intoxication, along with police reports and sobriety tests.

Georgia law allows the spouse first priority in filing a wrongful death action, but any surviving minor children must also receive a portion of the recovery A wrongful death action, combined with an estate survival claim, can seek recovery for, among others, the deceased victim's lost wages and benefits, savings and more, along with burial expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Anyone who has lost a loved one in a DUI related accident should contact an attorney as soon as possible to learn of their rights as well as what steps are necessary moving forward to obtain compensation.

Put Our Law Firm's Over 30 Years of Legal Experience to Work For Your Accident Case!

If you have been injured because of the actions of another person or party, speaking with an attorney can help you understand your legal rights as well as the actions necessary to preserve your rights. Our compassionate Car Accident Lawyers at Montlick and Associates represent those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast, including all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.

No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Auto Accident Checklist

What we're doing in our community

Please Note:Many of our blog articles discuss the law. All information provided about the law is very general in nature and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Every situation is different, and should be analyzed by a lawyer who can provide individualized advice based on the facts involved in your unique situation, and a consideration of all of the nuances of the statutes and case law that apply at the time.